Honoring a Yakima Woman Killed in 2022 With a Special Event

As authorities continue the search for the suspect in the June 2022 hit and run death of Yakima's Wendy Baker her friends continue to remember a woman who made a big impact on the valley.

AUTHORITIES SAY THE SUSPECT HAS FLED TO MEXICO

An arrest warrant has been issued for 42-year-old Juan Carlos Vargas charging him with hit-and-run fatality. Bail has been set at $250,000 if he's found and arrested. Yakima County Prosecutor Joe Brusic believes he fled south to Mexico and has not returned.

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BAKER WAS A RETIRED YVC INSTRUCTOR AT THE TIME OF HER DEATH

After Baker died, the Wendy Baker Memorial Scholarship was established at YVC.  Baker was a retired Yakima Valley College instructor. To support the scholarship a group of her friends created - “A Night For Wendy."

THE CELEBRATION IS SET FOR NOVEMBER 8

A press release says the celebration will feature "drinks, unique dessert and savory bites, live jazz by Wendy’s son Ben & Friends, plus a silent auction." The event will be held Wednesday November 8, from 6:00 pm - 9:00 PM at the Seasons Performance Hall in Yakima. The hall is located at 101 N Naches Ave.

IF YOU GO ALL THE PROCEEDS WILL HELP THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Tickets can be reserved through the website - wendybaker.org. All proceeds will be given to the Wendy Baker Scholarship at the YVC Foundation. During the first event last year organizers raised more than $27,000.
Prosecutors say on the morning of June 12 Vargas, driving a GMC Denali pickup struck Baker as she was riding along Summitview road. They say he crossed the fog line struck Baker and then fled the scene. After authorities believe he fled the Mexico and has not returned.